Bryson DeChambeau’s controversial two-shot penalty at the 2026 Open Championship reportedly came with a significant financial cost, with the LIV Golf star losing an estimated $279,887 in prize money as a result of the ruling.

The two-time U.S. Open champion was penalized during the second round at Royal Birkdale after R&A officials ruled that he had inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing while playing his second shot on the fifth hole.

Before the penalty, DeChambeau’s impressive second-round 66 had moved him into solo second place, firmly in contention for the Claret Jug. However, the two-shot penalty changed his score to a 68, dropping him down the leaderboard and ultimately affecting his final finishing position.

DeChambeau eventually finished tied for 14th, earning $234,325 instead of the substantially larger payout he would have received had he maintained his position near the top of the leaderboard.

According to reports, the difference between those finishing positions amounted to approximately $279,887 in lost prize money.

The ruling sparked one of the biggest controversies of the championship, with DeChambeau arguing he had simply been reading his shot rather than intentionally improving his lie. Reports also claimed he briefly considered withdrawing from the tournament before deciding to continue.

Despite the setback, DeChambeau completed the championship and later said he remained determined to move forward, though debate over the R&A’s decision has continued well beyond the final round at Royal Birkdale.